Nepal Trekking FAQs

A. Planning your trip to Nepal

1. Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

Yes. Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. You can get one in two main ways:

1. Visa on Arrival. Available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at certain land border crossings. You'll need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, one passport-size photo, and payment in cash. Bring accurate cash.

2. Online Application (e-Visa). Fill out the form on the official Nepal Immigration website before you travel. Saves time when you arrive.

Tourist visas are generally available for 15, 30, or 90 days. You can extend your visa while in Nepal at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you decide to stay longer.

Important notes:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry.

• Visa fees vary by length of stay (Click here for full information)

• Children under 10 often don't pay for visas.

• Always check the latest requirements with theDepartment of Immigration Nepal before you travel, as policies can change.

2. When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

The two main windows are autumn (mid-September to late November) and spring (March to May).

• Spring (March–May): mild temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom, warm at lower altitudes. Great for treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Afternoon haze can build by May.

• Autumn (September–November): peak trekking season. Crisp air, the clearest mountain views, stable weather, and major festivals like Dashain and Tihar. The most popular window, so book 4 to 6 months ahead.

• Winter (December–February): colder, but good for cultural tours and lower-altitude treks such as Mardi Himal. Some high passes close.

• Monsoon (June–August): rainy but lush, with fewer tourists. Best for the rain-shadow regions like Mustang, or for cultural travel.

For high-altitude trekking, spring and autumn are ideal. Winter and monsoon are quieter but also rewarding depending on the region.

3. Is Nepal safe for travelers?

Nepal is considered very safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so take normal precautions. Trekking with a guide is strongly recommended for safety and navigation in the mountains, and as of April 2023 it's required by law in most national park regions.

4. Do I need vaccinations to travel to Nepal?

Commonly recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. For extended stays or rural travel, your doctor may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Always consult a travel clinic before your trip.

5. Can I drink tap water in Nepal?

No. Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water, water purification tablets, or a reliable filter bottle. On treks, we recommend a Steripen or Aquatabs over single-use plastic bottles.

6. What currency is used in Nepal?

The currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Carry some cash for rural areas, as card payments aren't always accepted. On treks above the major towns, cash is essentially the only option.

7. What language is spoken in Nepal?

The official language is Nepali, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and by trekking guides. Every guide we work with is fluent in English.

8. What power outlets are used in Nepal?

Nepal uses a 230V supply with plug types C, D, and M. Carry a universal adapter. Power cuts are less frequent than before, but a power bank is useful on treks. Most teahouses charge per hour for charging (USD 1 to 3).

9. How do I get around Nepal?

Domestic flights connect Kathmandu to trekking hubs like Pokhara or Lukla. Tourist buses and private jeeps are common for intercity travel. Inside cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available. All ground transfers and domestic flights to and from your trailhead are included in our trek packages.

B. Trekking in the Himalayas

10. Do I need a licensed guide to trek in Nepal?

Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal requires every trekker in national park regions (including Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu, and Langtang) to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Solo trekking is no longer permitted in these areas. We provide government-certified local guides on every trip.

11. How fit do I need to be for trekking in Nepal?

Most treks in Nepal require moderate fitness, not elite athleticism. You should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day on hilly terrain while carrying a light daypack. The trails include ascents, descents, and uneven ground at altitude, which can make even short distances more challenging.

If you can comfortably hike for 6 hours over rolling terrain with a 5kg daypack, you can do most of our routes including the Everest Base Camp Trek. We recommend starting a training plan 8 to 12 weeks before departure: 3 hikes a week building from 2 hours up to 6, plus 2 strength sessions focused on legs and core. Age matters less than consistency. We've guided clients from 18 to 72.

For a shorter or less strenuous option, treks like Mardi Himal Base Camp are an ideal introduction. For a structured plan, see (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 4 WEEKS WORKOUT PLAN),

We recommend talking to your doctor before traveling if you have any health concerns. Our guides pace the trek sensibly and include acclimatization days to help your body adjust.

12. What is altitude sickness and how do you prevent it?

Altitude sickness happens when your body hasn't adjusted to lower oxygen levels. Above 2,500m, mild symptoms can include headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Severe forms (HAPE and HACE) are dangerous and require descent. We prevent it three ways: itineraries with built-in acclimatization days, a strict ascent rule, and guides who carry a pulse oximeter to check vitals daily.

Our acclimatization protocol has two rules. First, we limit sleeping altitude gain to about 500m per night above 3,000m. Second, for every 1,000m of cumulative ascent, we add an extra rest night so your body can adjust before climbing higher. That's why on the Everest Base Camp trek you sleep two nights at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and two nights at Dingboche (4,410m). Dingboche sits roughly 1,000m above Namche, so the second rest night is built in by the rule, not skipped to save days. The same protocol applies on Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, and every off-the-beaten-path route we run.

About 1 in 20 trekkers still needs to descend or use Diamox despite this. We never push anyone past their limit.

13. What permits do I need for Nepal trekking?

Each region has its own. Everest region needs the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Annapurna needs the ACAP permit and TIMS card. Manaslu needs a Restricted Area Permit (which is why you must trek with a guide and at least one other person). Upper Mustang and Nar-Phu also require restricted area permits. We arrange every permit for you. You don't lift a finger beyond providing passport copies and photos.

14. Do I need travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?

Yes, travel insurance is required, and the policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Most treks go into remote, high-altitude areas where medical facilities are limited. A good policy should cover:

• High-altitude trekking. Make sure the policy specifies altitude coverage, often above 4,000m. For our routes, you need cover up to 5,545m for Everest Base Camp, 5,416m for Annapurna Circuit, and 5,106m for Manaslu.

• Emergency helicopter evacuation in case of altitude sickness or serious injury.

• Medical expenses while abroad, including hospital care.

• Trip cancellations or delays caused by weather, strikes, or other unforeseen events.

• Lost or stolen luggage and gear.

Most standard travel policies exclude high-altitude trekking by default. We recommend World Nomads Explorer Plan or Cover-More Adventure for Australian trekkers. Send us a copy of your policy 30 days before departure so we can verify the coverage.

For context on how rare evacuation actually is: in 17 years of guiding in the Nepal Himalayas, we've coordinated only 2 helicopter rescues across all our trips. Both were covered fully by client insurance.

15. What should I pack for a trek in Nepal?

A serious gear list runs to 40+ items but the essentials are: broken-in hiking boots (not new, blisters end treks), a 4-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C, layered clothing using a merino base, fleece mid, down jacket, and waterproof shell, trekking poles, a 30L daypack, headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses with side coverage (snow glare is brutal), water purification (we suggest Steripen or Aquatabs), basic first aid kit, and 1L of cash USD or NPR for tips and drinks. We send a full packing checklist when you book and review it on a video call before departure.

For the full breakdown, including what to leave behind: Packing List: Essential Gear & What to Leave Behind.

16. Can I trek solo with your company, or do I need to join a group?

Both options work. Most clients book private trips with their own guide and porter, which gives full flexibility on pace and rest days. We also run small group departures (max 12 people) on the popular routes during peak season, which is the cheaper option if you don't mind a fixed itinerary. Solo female trekkers are very welcome. Several of our guides are women and we can match you with one if preferred.

17. What's the food and accommodation like on a trek?

Teahouses (small family-run lodges) along all main routes. Rooms are basic but clean: usually two beds, a small table, blankets. Bring a sleeping bag liner or your own bag. Bathrooms are typically shared and squat-style above 3,500m. Hot showers cost extra (USD 2 to 5) and aren't available every night. Food is Nepali Tibetan: dal bhat (lentils, rice, vegetables, free refills) is the staple and what your guides and porters eat for both lunch and dinner. Western options like pasta, fried rice, eggs, and pancakes are available everywhere. Vegetarian and gluten-free are easy. Vegan is harder but possible with notice.

18. What happens if I can't continue the trek?

We have protocols for every scenario. Mild illness or fatigue: a rest day or descent to lower altitude. Serious altitude sickness or injury: immediate descent, helicopter evacuation if needed (your insurance covers this, we coordinate). Your guide stays in direct contact with rescue services throughout the trek and can call in a helicopter from the trail when conditions require it. The decision to descend or evacuate is always conservative and on the side of safety.

C. Cost, booking, and why us

19. How much does a Nepal trek cost from Australia?

Budget for AUD 4,500 to 6,500 all-in for a 2-week trek. That breaks down roughly as: international flight Sydney to Kathmandu return AUD 1,200 to 1,800, our trek package AUD 2,200 to 3,200 (depending on the route), Nepal visa AUD 75, travel insurance AUD 250 to 400, gear if you don't already have it AUD 300 to 600, plus tips, drinks, and souvenirs around AUD 300 to 500. Restricted-area treks like Manaslu and Upper Mustang cost more because of permit fees.

20. What's included in your trek packages?

All packages include: airport transfers in Kathmandu, government-licensed English-speaking guide, porter (one porter shared between two trekkers), all permits and TIMS card, accommodation in teahouses and lodges, all meals during the trek, domestic flights or land transport to and from the trailhead, and emergency evacuation coordination. Not included: international flights, Nepal visa, travel insurance, drinks beyond water, personal gear, tips, and Kathmandu accommodation outside trek dates.

21. How do I book and what's the cancellation policy?

Booking takes three steps. One: send us your dates, trek choice, and group size via the contact form or email. We reply within 24 hours with availability and a quote. Two: a 25% deposit (refundable up to 60 days before departure) confirms the booking. Three: full balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations between 60 and 30 days lose the deposit. Inside 30 days, we work with you, often we can credit your booking to a future trip rather than lose it entirely.

22. Why book with Lost in the Himalaya instead of a bigger company?

We're small by design. Founded by Ujjwal who has 17 years of guiding experience in the Nepal Himalayas. Sydney-based for AU clients (you can call during business hours, meet in person if you're in Sydney) and Kathmandu-based operations on the ground. Every guide is local, government-certified, and pays porters fair wages with proper insurance. Group sizes capped at 12. We're not the cheapest, we're not the biggest, but you're booking with the people who actually run the trek, not a call centre.

D. Beyond the trail

23. What are the must-visit places in Nepal?

Some of the most popular places include:

• Kathmandu Valley for culture and UNESCO heritage (this blog might be helpful).

• Pokhara for lakes, views, and a relaxed pace.

• The Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu regions for trekking.

• Chitwan National Park for wildlife and jungle experiences.

Nepal rewards travellers who mix culture with time in nature.

24. Besides trekking, what else can I do in Nepal?

Nepal offers diverse experiences: cultural tours in the Kathmandu Valley, wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, paragliding and rafting in Pokhara, spiritual visits to Lumbini, and local festivals year-round. You might enjoy our Yoga Treks & Retreats or reading 10 Things You Can Expect Traveling Nepal to see cultural and adventure options beyond the trails. Or explore our blog page, you might find something that interests you.